What does AWD lock mean? The answer will be revealed now!
This mode is popular with most modern car models. Despite that, many of us aren’t clear about it. How to use it? When to use it? What are its benefits?
Hold on, don’t get flustered! We are here to help. The most detailed information will be revealed in the next sections. It’s time to learn more.
What Does AWD Lock Mean?
What does all wheel drive lock mean? This lock indicates that the AWD system has been locked and power is delivered to all 4 wheels equally. In short, it is a mode acting directly on torque.
This affects the force distribution on the wheels.
It describes how each of the four wheels can get traction and caters more to automobiles and SUVs.
A car gains this mode by having three gearboxes or differentials placed in various locations throughout the vehicle.
These differentials let your four tires gain traction independently, resulting in better traction and handling weather. You can find the three gearboxes on your automobile’s front, center, and rear.
How Does It Work?
What does the AWD lock button do?
Torque is transferred evenly to all four wheels when this all-wheel drive lock button is pressed, maximizing traction.
Once the button is pressed once more, or when your car reaches a speed of more than 19 mph, it is locked into this mode of operation.
It would help if you used the All-Wheel drive lock mode when your car is bogged in the mud or other slow-moving conditions.
Type Of AWD
Besides AWD lock meaning, you shouldn’t miss its two types: Mechanic and Electronic.
The differential-based approach described above is used in mechanical AWD. However, SUVs from 2015 and 2016 also have computerized, or “electronic,” AWD built into their systems.
Sensors are mounted on the car’s four wheels to track traction, wheel speed, and other factors.
Using this information, the ECU chooses which wheel receives the most power based on which one has the highest traction.
Benefits of AWD
All wheel drive lock will certainly be available on vehicles with this mode. What are its outstanding benefits that you cannot ignore?
Traction
Superior traction is this system’s main selling point. Driving on slippery roads will be much better because it powers all the wheels; even if one starts to slip, the other wheels will compensate.
Performance
Some vehicles may also have AWD for performance and handling purposes. Even on dry terrain, sports cars use extra traction to accelerate more quickly.
In these circumstances, they allow for quicker power transfer from the engine to the road.
All-wheel drive cars have better steering because the front wheels can be used more for steering (gaining traction in the lateral direction) than propulsion (gaining forward traction).
Weight Distribution
Its improved weight distribution contributes to some of its advantages. The vehicle’s weight is positioned toward the back because more parts are required to transmit power to the rear wheels.
The engine’s weight, which makes these vehicles heavier up front, is balanced by this.
Engineers may spread the stress of weight across its structure more evenly with better weight distribution, resulting in more consistent handling.
Off-road Capacity
Off-road trucks and SUVs frequently have this system. It enables them to cross rough terrain when one or more wheels might come off the pavement and cannot offer traction.
The car can keep moving as long as the other driving wheels make sufficient contact with the road. Additionally, these all-wheel drive cars excel at navigating puddles of water or muddy terrain.
Better Acceleration
AWD cars are meant for icy, snowy, or muddy terrain because they can rev up way better on them. Four wheels receive equal power from their system, boosting acceleration and traction.
Drawbacks Of AWD
So far, so good; but AWD system malfunctions and downsides are inevitable.
Low Fuel Efficiency
Due to the additional weight and mechanical resistance of the equipment required to turn all four wheels, vehicles with AWD typically have a lower fuel economy.
Although the decrease in gas mileage may occasionally be slight, it might eventually mount up.
High Cost
These vehicles can be resold at a higher value than two-wheel ones, but the initial cost is higher. The same automobile with 2WD systems can cost you up to $5000 less.
Also, AWDs require more pricey maintenance since they are more sophisticated and advanced than 2WDs.
If there is a problem with a secondhand car that a customer is considering purchasing without a warranty, they may be required to pay a sizable sum.
All Tires Replaced
It’s advisable to replace all four tires at once, even if just one is damaged.
You will need to replace your tire if it has been punctured, its sidewall has been harmed, or you have run over a nail, even when it’s not flat.
All tires will get thinner with time, even though you have just a flat one due to increased friction. If the car has just one brand-new tire, the other three will be all worn out soon.
New tires are, therefore, more cost-effective than replacing worn-out ones often.
AWD, 4WD and FWD: Comparison
AWD
What does AWD lock do?
With AWD cars, all the wheels are given extra power because it is distributed to the front and rear axles.
These axles are continually engaged and receive energy in flexible amounts based on the terrain and traction requirements.
One axle is normally used at a time by AWD systems. The vehicle automatically transmits power to the other axle to stabilize when one shaft loses traction.
AWD is ideal for erratic weather, rough terrain, or challenging driving situations.
4WD
Four wheel drive, as the name suggests, is used in vehicles where the engine sends power to both the front and back axles.
The greatest vehicles for off-road driving are 4WDs, which can be used to go through deep water, climb steep hills, and scale big boulders.
Equal power is distributed to each axle by 4WD systems. Some 4WD vehicles have two high and low gear ranges. When climbing hilly terrain at slow speeds, the range is decreased.
FWD
Front-wheel drive, or FWD, is a drivetrain in which only the two front wheels get power. In a FWD car, the back wheels are not turned.
This one is one of the most prevalent systems in the vast majority of vehicles on the market.
Since most of the vehicle’s weight is distributed over the two front wheels, not rear wheels. The front-wheel drive provides excellent traction on slick surfaces.
Additionally, it frees up more room inside the cabin.
Which one is better? In fact, there is no one correct answer. The key is based on your needs, purposes, budget, etc., to choose the most suitable mode.
FAQs
Is AWD or 4WD Better?
It depends.
As you’ve known: What is AWD lock, let’s take a closer look at this comparison.
AWD is the best option if all you’re after is a little extra security when driving in inclement weather like ice, sleet, snow, and rain.
AWD reduces some of the incidents associated with driving on snow and ice. When dealing with severe ice and snow, AWD is the way to go.
Without a doubt, 4WD is superior if you also want to venture off the beaten path into the wilderness.
These vehicles often have a far higher towing capacity than AWD vehicles. Although 4WD’s additional weight improves traction, it has a significant negative impact on petrol prices.
Who Is AWD For?
Should I use AWD lock in snow? Of course!
It is especially useful when driving on slick roads and over mild off-road terrain. Those who own high-performance automobiles can relax, knowing that AWD frequently sends power to each wheel at all times.
Still, it can also modify the wheel balance based on driving conditions or mode to alter the vehicle’s performance characteristics.
AWD systems are extremely useful when driving in rapidly changing weather or on a route with patchy snow and ice. In addition to some vehicles and minivans, it is used for SUVs based on automobiles.
When Should I Use AWD Lock?
As mentioned above, the all-wheel drive lock button should be pressed when traveling through areas with patchy snow and ice or in rapidly changing weather.
It will not be for extreme weather conditions like deep snow, storms, etc. However, this is a remarkable choice on slippery road conditions when providing high transactions for the wheels.
Should I Keep AWD Lock Mode All The Time?
No. It isn’t advisable to keep the all-wheel drive button all the time. When your vehicle is in this mode, the fuel consumption will be much higher.
This leads to costs incurred during the use, especially in the long run.
Final Thoughts
What does AWD lock mean? You’ve got the answer to it!
Overall, it’s worth considering and upgrading for unsupported or unestablished vehicles.
Although it will be a bit expensive at first, you will get a well-deserved driving experience as well as better car performance.